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As the son of two pastors growing up in San Diego, money was always a limiting factor. We didn’t have a lot, but somehow always found a way to make the most of it. Our one splurge each year was when my dad would take my brother and me to the San Diego Auto Show. This is where it all started for me. 

After spending hours at the convention center snagging every announcement document and brochure that I could get my hands on, I’d get home and run up to my room to read through every single one. I’d memorize horsepower numbers, cargo space, pricing, and any key details that set one model year apart from the next. I even based my sixth grade research project on what I learned, doing an A-Z of automotive manufacturers (Z was for Zündapp, in case you were wondering).

Then I got older and had to think about how I was going to afford college. I focused on lacrosse in hopes of getting an athletic scholarship (which I did), and cars became a side project, a quiet hobby of mine. Injuries cut my lacrosse career short. And then, right when I needed a new purpose the most, the pandemic hit.

Now I was completely lost. No job, no potential prospects, and a communications degree that felt as useful as firewood. What was I supposed to do now?

I went back to what I loved

With the $300 I had left in my bank account from graduation, I purchased a camera drone off Facebook Marketplace. I started going out to empty parks and practicing how to film, while also reaching out to car clubs, real estate agencies, and anyone who might give me a chance to work for them. 

I was fortunate enough that a few amazing people did exactly that. Businesses and friends gave me access to vehicles I would’ve only dreamed about, and trusted me to document them in creative and sometimes unorthodox ways. I was reminded why my younger self used to read all those brochures in his bedroom. My love of cars (and the tech behind them) transcended any other dream I had, and I couldn’t let that go again.

Over the next four years, I began building my online presence as a content creator in the automotive space. With my parents’ garage as my base of operations, I would spend hours on my computer looking for socially-distanced car meetups and events where I could gain a foothold in the San Diego automotive community. I’d ask event organizers if they needed any drone photography or promotion, and show up with a backpack full of business cards and camera gear wherever I was needed. I’d even travel hundreds of miles out of my way simply for the opportunity to get access to some of the west coast’s amazing vehicles.

At that time, I was barely making enough to cover the cost of my gas. There wasn’t much money to be made in the pro-bono car content space, but I always had a feeling that something was just around the corner, as long as I kept trying to make something of this dream.

My creator footprint created new opportunities

It wasn’t until 2022 that things really started to take off. A local company that manufactured car upgrades needed a media specialist to join their team, and I was more than happy to be a part of it. With them, I attended some of the biggest car conferences in the world, acted as a brand ambassador, and jumped at every chance to level up my knowledge and connections in the industry.

Sometimes, the role could be a bit daunting, from hanging out of a car with my drone flying above, to riding jet skis with a camera strapped to me for a surf-themed car shoot. But even so, there wasn’t a thing they could pitch that I would’ve turned down. At my core, this was what I had always wanted, and opportunities like that were once-in-a-lifetime, no matter the complexity or chaos that came along with it.

Over time, my account grew from just under 3,000 followers to now over 25,000, and I built a company that now manages media for racing teams and drivers alike. I finally found a way to meld my passion for vehicles, videography, and writing into a career that excites and challenges me every single day.

From deciding on your next car purchase, to finding cool car hacks that make your life easier, to creator life at home and on the go, my goal is to empower you to make the best possible decisions for a better life on the road. There’s a ton of information out there, and it can be truly overwhelming to try and navigate it all.

To me, cars are not just a hobby. They’re interwoven with my identity. My hunger for knowledge about all things automotive drives me from the moment I wake up until the moment I fall asleep. Some might think it’s obsessive, and to a certain extent, they’d be right. But that obsession has led to both a sense of purpose and a passion to share it with others.

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with our cars. We love our vehicles because they represent freedom (and economic necessity, if you rely on one to get to work or do your grocery shopping), but we hate how much they cost—and the fact that you never actually stop paying for them. It costs an average of $1,452 every year just to keep your vehicle running, and the overall cost of owning a car is a whopping $6,684 annually.

As crucial as vehicle maintenance is in terms of making sure your car is reliable, people tend to skip an awful lot of it. If all you do every year is the basics—changing the oil and engine filters in a standard tune-up—you’re skipping a bunch of maintenance that only seems less important. Here are the vehicle maintenance steps you should definitely not skip.

Cleaning battery terminals

Your car’s battery is where the magic starts: When you turn the key or press the ignition button, a charged, fully-functioning battery sets everything in motion. Even if your battery is relatively new and still in good shape, corrosion can build up on the terminals. Anything that inhibits the connection between your battery and the systems it powers will impact your car’s performance and can damage your engine and electrical systems, so cleaning those terminals twice a year is a good idea. It’s a pretty simple process, actually.

Checking all the fluids

Sure, you change the oil according to a schedule—but your car runs on a lot of different fluids, and you should be checking and replacing them all regularly. This includes:

• Transmission fluid. Just because it’s “sealed” or described as “lifetime” doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be checked and possibly changed out. Making sure levels haven’t dropped when you change the oil is a good idea, and even if your transmission fluid is holding up at 100,000 miles, you should change it out.

• Brake fluid. Brake fluid can break down just like engine oil, so it’s a good idea to check it every time you change the oil, and change it out every few years, even if your brakes are working properly. You’re better off asking your mechanic to do this for you unless you’re very experienced, though, as brake fluid changes can be a bit more complicated than other fluids used in your car.

• Differential fluid. The differential distributes power to your wheels, making turns smoother and giving your car more stability. You should check your car’s manual for specifics, but generally speaking you should have it changed when you hit 30,000 miles or so.

• Coolant. If you haven’t checked your antifreeze recently, now would be the time. It’s incredibly easy to drain and replace your coolant, which you should do according to manufacturer recommendations or every few years.

• Power steering. You like being able to steer your car without putting your back into it, don’t you? Then you should be checking your power steering fluid to make sure it doesn’t resemble mud. If it does, change it. If it doesn’t, look up the recommended replacement schedule for your car and change it then.

Change the wipers

The worst time to realize your windshield wipers have become a shell of their former selves is when you’re caught in a rainstorm and can’t see anything through the pour. Plus, there’s nothing less fun than changing your wipers in the midst of a storm. Your wipers will give you some warning that they’re wearing out, leaving streaks and making a lot of squeaky noises, so when you notice those signs, it’s time to pop off the old ones and pop on the new.

Check the lights

You rely on your car’s various lights—headlights, hazard lights, signal lights, and brake lights—for safe operation of the vehicle, so it’s amazing how many people don’t bother to check if they actually work. Take two minutes every year to turn on the lights and walk around the car to ensure they’re all working properly. Changing out a bulb here and there can spare you from being pulled over by a police officer—or worse.

Check tire pressure

Proper tire pressure affects just about every aspect of your driving experience—it can make braking harder, affect the stability of the car (if you’ve never felt a car shake because the tires were overinflated, you haven’t lived), and impact fuel efficiency. Check the tire pressure (this is literally printed on the tire itself) at least once a month and adjust as needed.

Even if you get your tires rotated regularly (as you should), you should also check your tires’ tread wear every now and then. Rapid or uneven wear on tire tread could indicate other problems with the car, and if your tires are starting to get a little bald it’s a very good idea to get them replaced before their lack of traction gets you into an accident.

Cleaning out the drains

You might not even be aware of the fact that your car has several drains that keep water from collecting in the engine—or in the cabin area. All of these drains should be inspected and cleaned out periodically—otherwise moisture will build up, rusting components and staining parts of the car. Typical drain locations include:

• Sunroofs. If you have a sunroof, there are drains built into the car that carry rain and other water that gets through the seals. Your car’s manual will show you exactly where they are, but they’re generally located in the corners of your sunroof well.

• Doors. Drains are often located at the bottom of your doors. Often the sunroof drains are connected to these as well.

• Windshield. Look where the windshield meets the hood of the vehicle, and you’ll likely find drains at each end.

• Trunk/bed. Drains are often included in the read of the vehicle as well.

All of these drains can get clogged with gunk, which can lead to water inside the car, or invisible rusting and corrosion that destroys the vehicle from the inside-out. They can usually be cleaned with just a garden hose—the water pressure alone should work to expel built-up debris. If you have a stubborn clog, a length of wire run down through the drain should help.

Change the cabin filter

You probably replace engine filters regularly, but have you ever inspected and replaced the cabin filter? These filters clean the air pumped into your vehicle’s interior via the A/C, heat, or ventilation system. It gets filthy just like any other filter, which leads to lower air quality in your vehicle’s cabin and extra stress on your systems. Look at your manual to find out where it’s hiding, then swap it out at least once a year—more often if you notice a drop in air quality, or if you regularly drive through some dusty areas.

Washing the exterior

You might think washing your car is a luxury, or a non-essential aspect of maintenance, but you would be wrong. Your car is bombarded with a ton of gross stuff—from dirt that scratches the finish, bugs that muck up your windshield, and corrosive stuff that can undermine your vehicle’s seals and other components. In other words, not washing your car on a regular basis will shorten its lifespan and increase your maintenance costs.

Nothing says "Christmas" quite like non-stop ads for cars, all adorned with giant car-sized bows on top. While I've never personally been gifted a car with a giant car-sized bow (and feel free to change that for me), it's true that this time of year is one of the best time to go car shopping. Many automakers offer sales and financing deals on cars right now to help push them off the lot as the new model year cars roll in. If you’re in the market for a new or used car, this time of year can be a great time to buy for added savings, but only with the right plan.

Time your purchase right

Aim to purchase near the very end of December, as salespeople scramble to meet monthly quotas and annual sales goals before the year concludes. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are excellent times to get the best offers. Model year-end clearance sales will also net steep discounts—just be sure you’re comfortable buying the prior year’s model if going this route.

Research at home

By the time you arrive at the dealership, you should already know the following:

• Your budget

• Whether you're leasing or buying (Although you should probably buy, not lease.)

• Your top choice (plus two back-up models)

Research market prices for vehicles using price-comparison sites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book. Gauge the fair-market value of the make and model you're interested in.

In terms of payment, the gold standard is to pay for a car in cash and in full, but that's not a realistic possibility for all buyers. Instead, opt to get pre-approved for an auto loan from your bank or credit union and compare the offer to dealer financing. Your credit score plays a major role in determining your interest rate and whether you’ll get approved. Before applying for a loan, check your credit score so you know where you stand. If it’s low, here are ways to boost it.

Another holiday-specific tip is to look at year-end inventory on last year's models. As the 2024 models come in, dealers will be looking to offload 2023 and even 2022 models still sitting on the lot, giving you negotiation power.

Arrive informed about the deals

Look out for holiday-exclusive pricing packages and cut preferential financing rates. Monitor sales highlights and fine print exclusions on manufacturer and dealer websites. Check to see if manufacturer financing or customer rebates are available for the cars you're considering. Keep in mind that some holiday-related manufacturer incentives might actually be in place before the holiday weekend and may extend past it.

Be decisive

Time to put all your research to use. Cars are hot commodities, so be ready to pull the trigger at the dealership. You should mention any competing offers you've received to use as leverage, even if they aren't an exact apples-to-apples comparison. Then again, the old days of walking away as a negotiating tactic are over for the time being—by the time you come back, your car will most likely have been sold.

One area to be flexible: car color and trim options. Opting for colors/options that aren't as popular can save you money as the dealer may be trying harder to move those vehicles.

If you're trading in your existing vehicle, its age or mileage will determine its baseline value regardless of whether it's the holidays or not. But you gain leverage negotiating the purchase price for the new vehicle during peak sale promos. Highlight applicable retail rebates and reference year-end volume goals salespeople are striving towards when pressing for the lowest overall price. Review which dealership fees you can and cannot avoid.

The festive chill in the December air doesn’t have to dampen big-ticket purchases—with the right mindset, you can unwrap a sweet new car deal this holiday season.

You can get two days of The Parking Spot on sale for $9.99 right now (reg. $32). The service has 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and lets you park at major airports for cheap—you just download The Parking Spot app and join the Spot Club to redeem your points from the sale, then just pick your dates and reserve your parking spot. When you arrive on the day of your trip, just scan your QR code to check in and park, and a shuttle will bring you to your terminal. The Parking Spot covers 46 locations and 28 airports, including ATL, DFW, DEN, ORD, LAX, JFK, and MIA.

You can get two days of The Parking Spot on sale for $9.99 right now (reg. $32), though prices can change at any time.

Driving in the late winter and early spring can be brutal on your car, especially if you live in an area with freezing and thawing temperatures, thanks to the rapid proliferation of potholes. Potholes are the result of trapped moisture that expands and cracks pavement, which is further broken down by traffic—and thanks to harsh seasonal conditions, cities may not repair this damage before it has an opportunity to wreak havoc on your vehicle.

Unfortunately, you may have to play defense against winter potholes to avoid costly repairs to your steering and suspension as well as broken wheel rims and blown-out tires.

Monitor your tire pressure and wear

You should regularly inspect your tires for wear, including testing tread depth. Keeping your tires properly inflated according to manufacturer-recommended levels will also mitigate pothole damage. Most vehicles have monitoring systems that alert you if the pressure is dropping or dips below a certain level, but you should check all four tires once a month during the winter (because pressure drops more rapidly in cold weather). Your vehicle's alignment and suspension should also be inspected by a professional.

Drive slower

You may not be able to avoid every pothole, but slowing down (within a safe speed) and keeping your eyes on the road ahead will give you time to respond quickly to any hazards you encounter. Otherwise, you may end up swerving unexpectedly, which can endanger other cars as well as cyclists and pedestrians. In general, driving more slowly lowers the risk of damage to your wheels and suspension. Drive with extreme caution through puddles—these may actually be potholes.

Drive straighter

Again, don't swerve to avoid a pothole. If you can center it underneath your car without leaving your lane, do so with caution. Otherwise, it's best to drive straight over the pothole, slowly, as the damage risk to your tire sidewall is greater if you swerve through it. Ease off the brakes—don't slam them—just before you reach the hole so your wheels can roll gently through. You can also alert other cars to the pothole by tapping your brakes.

Stop and inspect the impact

If you hit a pothole hard, don't ignore it. Find a safe place to park and look for damage to your tire and wheel (front and rear). Pay attention to any shaking, vibrating, or pulling as you drive, and keep an eye on tire pressure, as air loss may occur as a slow leak rather than a blowout. Uneven tire wear can also be a sign of additional damage. If in doubt, have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.